Black farmers have lost 90% of the land they once owned since 1920. Oral histories of the massacre say land was stolen from victims and survivors. One local group, the Elaine Legacy Center, is digging into the research in hopes of community repair.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Reuters: U.S. Black farmers lost $326 bln worth of land in 20th century -study
The Arkansas Race Riot by Ida B. Wells
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: OPINION | BRIAN K. MITCHELL: Even in tragedy, memories fail us
Featured in this episode: Victor Zachary, Jennifer Hadlock, James White, Mary Olson, Rhondalyn Peairs, Lisa Hicks Gilbert, David Krugler, David Madlock, Katherine Holmstrom, Ples Spradley, Abigayle Reese, Annie Zachary Pike
Jaylen Archie and Quailvarious Brown reported and wrote this episode. The music is by Andrew J. Crutcher. The podcast was produced and edited by Christopher Blank with additional edits by Marc Perrusquia.
Correction, Oct. 4, 2024: This episode has been corrected to reflect that the landowner Ida B. Wells referenced in her report co-owned the land with his brother, who was one of the 12 men put on trial after the massacre.
Clarification, Oct. 10, 2024: This episode has been updated to clarify the Elaine Legacy Center’s stance on reparations for massacre descendants.
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